32:26The most contentious item on the agenda was the application for converting a residential property into a place of worship, which included accessory uses like a Mikvah. The property, positioned on Heisen Road, faced significant scrutiny over its compliance with existing ordinances, particularly concerning safety and accessibility. The board’s discussion focused heavily on the site’s steep driveway and limited off-street parking capacity, noting these as critical safety issues. The applicant’s engineer emphasized plans to mitigate these concerns by adjusting the driveway slope and incorporating sidewalks for safer pedestrian access. However, the steep grade of the land posed challenges, requiring retaining walls for some sections of the proposed sidewalks.

The absence of sidewalks on one side of Heisen Road was a specific point of contention, with suggestions to develop a safe pedestrian route from the east side of the road to the site. Despite initial skepticism about feasibility and cost, the board recognized the potential safety benefits of such improvements.

Moreover, the board highlighted the necessity of ensuring emergency access for fire services, emphasizing the importance of clear evacuation routes. The applicant agreed to incorporate sidewalks into the site plan and explore crosswalk options in collaboration with traffic experts. The board urged the applicant to petition the county for additional signage to warn motorists of pedestrian traffic.

1:43:32Lighting and parking were additional focal points of the discussion. Residents expressed concerns about excessive lighting contributing to accidents and light pollution affecting nearby homes. The board agreed that new lighting would adhere to ordinance standards, featuring cut-off shields to minimize light spillage. Parking arrangements were also scrutinized, as the current usage saw a high volume of vehicles parked on the street daily. The board chairwoman mentioned a potential petition to the Mayor and Council for no-parking signs to alleviate congestion, noting that such authority lay outside the board’s jurisdiction.

Many felt that past violations were relevant to the current application, despite the board’s clarification that their role was limited to evaluating the present proposal against existing ordinances. This distinction between planning and zoning responsibilities underscored the procedural constraints faced by the board, leaving some residents feeling that the system inadequately protected their interests.

32:26The public comment session further revealed community concerns about traffic safety, particularly on Heisen Road, where residents reported frequent speeding and visibility issues for pedestrians. The board emphasized that while they could advocate for improvements, final decisions rested with the township and county authorities. Despite these challenges, the board approved the application, with conditions to address the discussed concerns and ensure compliance with safety standards.